Kanye West taps Q-Tip, RZA, Pete Rock for new album

Kanye West is ensconced in his Diamond Head, Hawaii home and recording studio, putting the final touches on his forthcoming album with guest rappers including Q-Tip, RZA and Pete Rock. A source close to the project says it will be released in June.

In an interview with Brooklyn Bodega, Q-Tip confirmed he's working with Kanye. "I just try to work with people who I admire or whom I think has got it," he told the web site.

According to a report on Roc4Life.com, both RZA and Pete Rock were in Hawaii recently recording with Kanye. RZA appeared onstage at a Nas concert in Honolulu on March 19.

Q-Tip, RZA and Pete Rock are three producers credited with pioneering New York hip-hop, so their appearances would suggest the album has a traditional East Coast sound. Common told Music Mix that Kanye and No I.D. are following a similar direction as Common's upcoming album, "The Believer," which he described as "raw hip-hop.".